Certificate Program
Our Certificate is a microcredential designed to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of cultivating a welcoming environment for all of the AU community. It is offered in partnership with Wellstar MCG Health and other campus leaders. This certificate reflects the university's commitment to cultivating a welcoming educational environment that prepares our students to thrive in our global society as well as effectively recruit and retain our faculty and staff.
Certificate Information and Requirements:
- This free program is open to faculty and staff on all campuses, including Wellstar MCG Health, but excluding undergraduate and graduate student employees.
- In-person workshops will be available on the Summerville and Health Sciences campus.
- Virtual workshops will also be available for those located on satellite campuses.
- Participating employees must complete (3) core sessions and (4) elective sessions, each session is 1.5 hours.
- Participating employees must complete all workshops within 12 months
Contact Us
Institutional Access, Success, & Belonging
Health Sciences Campus
AA-172
Participant & Department Benefits:
-
At the end of each Spring semester, there will be a ceremony recognizing belonging on campus, including employees who completed their certificate that academic year
- Divisions and Colleges who have a participation rate of 80% or higher from their faculty/staff by April 1st of each year will receive a special recognition
Learning Outcomes
- Increase awareness and understanding of belonging and cultivate a welcoming environment for the Augusta University community
- Enhance access to and participation in professional development opportunities
- Further interdisciplinary and inter-professional commitment of faculty and staff in institutional efforts
- Recognize and strengthen resource sharing, collaboration, and the development of strategic partnerships to increase institutional excellence
Previously Offered Courses
- Lucy C. Laney Museum of History
- Morris Museum of Art: Art of the South
- Better Discourse: a Guide to Bridging Campus Divide in Challenging Times
- Small Steps, Big Shifts: Cultivating Sustainable Wellbeing
Recertification Information
- Certification is valid for 2 years
- Recertification will consist of completing 4 new elective workshops
Summer 2026 Workshops
Core Required Sessions
Emotional Intelligence
This session is an introduction to the Emotional Intelligence model. The session provides a framework to enhance your capacity to understand and navigate the complexities of the workplace using Emotional Intelligence.
Facilitated by: Za'Cuan McNeil, Institutional Access, Success and Belonging
History of Augusta University
An engaging and thought-provoking workshop that delves into the rich history of Augusta University through the lens of trailblazers. Explore the remarkable contributions of trailblazers and uncover transformative moments that shaped our institution.
Facilitated by: Za'Cuan McNeil, Institutional Access, Success, and Belonging
Building Belonging
Building Belonging is a professional development course inspired by the Othering and Belonging Institute at the University of California, Berkely. The course combines theory with practical application, equipping participants with tools and strategies to foster inclusive, collaborative environments. Through real-world scenarios and interactive learning, participants develop the skills to address exclusion, strengthen team dynamics, and contribute to a more welcoming and high-performing organizational culture
Facilitated by: Za'Cuan McNeil, Institutional Access, Success, and Belonging
Elective Sessions
True Colors: Valuing Difference-Creating Unity
Uncover your unique personality strengths and explore how to use them to improve communication, collaboration, and leadership within academic environments. Designed for faculty and staff, this course applies the True Colors framework to foster greater self-awareness, enhance team dynamics, and support welcoming practices that contribute to student success and a positive campus culture.
Facilitated by: Kristie R. Johnson & Za'Cuan McNeil, Institutional Access, Success, and Belonging
Intergenerational Demographics in the Workplace
This course explores the dynamic interplay of intergenerational demographics in the workplace. Participants will gain insights into how varying generational experiences shape workplace interactions and learn strategies for building meaningful connections. Through a panel discussion featuring Augusta University faculty and staff, attendees will hear real-life experiences and practical approaches to fostering a culture of belonging.
Facilitated by: Za'Cuan McNeil